Food And Beverage Serving Tray Having Automatic Latching Sides

ABSTRACT

An expandable tray having a primary layer and a secondary layer having a substantially parallel configuration. The primary layer is configured to be moved in a direction of a third layer to orient the third layer and a support structure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. The primary layer and the secondary layer have sidewalls forming a latching structure configured to interconnect the sidewalls, thereby orienting the tray in an expanded configuration between the primary layer and the secondary layer. A portion of the primary layer is foldable along a hinge point located within an opening thereon the primary layer, forming a support structure. A mounting surface is connected to a portion of the support structure. The mounting surface is connected to a portion of the secondary layer with an attaching element. A removable portion is connected to the mounting surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, generally, to a printable food and beveragetray. More particularly, it relates to an expandable tray having doublelatching sides that are adapted to interconnect to orient the tray in anopen configuration.

2. Background Art

Prior art concession trays have sidewalls with tabs that are insertedthrough corresponding openings in the tray during assembly. A userincluding, but not limited to, a concession employee or a quick servicerestaurant employee has to pre-assemble these trays having tabs inadvance because the assembly process of positioning the tabs into theopenings is time consuming. These tabs need to be individually insertedinto their corresponding opening during the tray assembly. The assembledtrays are then stacked and stored next to a register to be accessible toa user during the fulfillment of an order. When these bulkypre-assembled trays are stacked and stored next to a register, they takeup valuable space which can be limited. Additionally, these bulky trayscan obstruct a work area which can be burdensome to a user, can pose afire hazard, and create a cluttered work space.

It is more desirable for a user to be able to quickly assemble aconcession tray just prior to fulfilling an order and without having tostore bulky trays. Thus, there is a need for a concession tray that doesnot require pre-assembly, stacking, and the storing of bulky trays priorto the fulfillment of an order. More particularly, when the assemblyprocess of inserting the sidewall tabs into the corresponding trayopenings becomes burdensome and time consuming, the neededinterconnecting latching mechanism would better act to quickly and moreefficiently position the tray in an upright configuration.

Prior art nesting trays and molded trays are not adapted to be receivedby an electrophotographic machine. It is more desirable for a concessiontray to be adapted to be received by an electrophotographic machineincluding, but not limited to, a printer so the concession tray canreceive text or an image located on a surface of the tray foradvertising or promotional display.

However, in view of the prior art considered as a whole at the time thepresent invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for an expandable trayhaving a primary layer and a secondary layer having a substantiallyparallel configuration, a primary layer configured to be moved in adirection of a third layer to orient the third layer and a supportstructure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondarylayer, the primary layer and the secondary layer having sidewallsforming a latch configured to interconnect with each other, therebyorienting the tray in an expanded configuration between the primarylayer and the secondary layer, and at least one opening having a sizegreat enough to receive food and beverages which also includesimprovements that overcome the limitations of prior art concession traysis now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention.

The invention includes an expandable tray having a housing with aprimary layer located opposite a secondary layer. The primary layer hasa primary sidewall, a secondary sidewall, a tertiary sidewall, and aquaternary sidewall. The secondary layer has a primary sidewall, asecondary sidewall, and a tertiary sidewall. The secondary layer isconnected to an end of the quaternary sidewall of the primary layer,forming a primary hinge. The primary layer is connected to an end of thequaternary sidewall of the primary layer, forming a secondary hinge,whereby, the primary layer is foldable over the secondary layer. Theprimary and secondary layer sidewalls have protrusions located on bothends of the sidewalls. The protrusions are secured together with anattaching element including, but not limited to, adhesive, tape, doublesided tape, a magnet, or a hook and loop attachment. When the primarylayer is moved in a direction of the hinges relative to the stationarysecondary layer, the quaternary sidewall shifts from an angle of betweenapproximately 0 degrees and 60 degrees to approximately 90 degrees inrelation to the secondary layer.

The primary and secondary layer sidewalls are located adjacent to thehinges and they each have a recess forming a lip. The lip of the primarylayer sidewalls are adapted to interlock with the lip of the secondarylayer sidewalls. A protrusion located on an end portion of each of thesecondary layer sidewalls is connected to a protrusion located on eachof the end portions of the quaternary sidewall of the primary layer.Each secondary layer sidewall protrusion is connected to both quaternarysidewall protrusions with an attaching element. This interconnectingtogether of the tray sidewalls creates a quick and efficient expandableconcession tray that a user can simply pop-up when an order has beenplaced, rather than pre-assembling the intricate tabs of concessiontrays currently on the market.

It is within the scope of this invention for the expandable tray toinitially have a closed configuration prior to use. The closedconfiguration of the tray is when the quaternary sidewall has an anglebetween approximately 0 degrees and 60 degrees in relation to thesecondary layer. The concession tray has a substantially planarorientation when in a closed configuration. This allows for the ease ofstacking and storing the more compact concession trays next to aregister while taking food orders.

The substantially planar orientation of the closed configurationconcession tray is less bulky and does not take up as much space as aconventional concession tray. After an order has been placed, a user caninterconnect the lips of the primary and secondary layer sidewallstogether to position the concession tray in an open configuration. Theopen configuration of the concession tray is when the concession trayhas an upright alignment, allowing the tray to receive including, butnot limited to, food and beverages. The open configuration is when thequaternary side and support structure both have an angle ofapproximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. It iswithin the scope of this invention for a tray to include, but not belimited to, having a depth and having a bottom portion forming a border.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary layer has two openings adapted toreceive and secure including, but not limited to, a cup or a can. Inanother embodiment, these openings can have a plurality of reliefsradiating from the openings. The plurality of reliefs allows theopenings to conform to a plurality of differing sized cups.Additionally, the primary layer has an opening adapted to receive andsecure including, but not limited to, food, a plate, a bowl, or acontainer. It is within the scope of this invention for the primarylayer to have at least one opening.

In an alternate embodiment, the novel concession tray housing includes asupport structure. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure issubstantially centrally located within the housing. It is within thescope of this invention that the support structure is not centrallylocated. A portion of the primary layer is foldable along a hinge pointlocated within an opening thereon the primary layer, whereby, forming asupport structure. A mounting surface is connected to a portion of thesupport structure. The mounting surface is connected to a portion of thesecondary layer with an attaching element. This support structure of thetray is configured to support the upright alignment of the tray when theconcession tray is in an open configuration.

In another embodiment, the tray can have at least one surface that isprinted on, whereby, at least one layer has a surface thereon thatallows for an image, text, or computer generated data. The text, image,human readable data, and computer generated data include, but are notlimited to, advertising, a promotion, a logo, a product description, acoupon, or company information.

In yet another embodiment, the novel concession tray has a portion of atleast one layer that is adapted to be removable. More particularly, acoupon printed on a portion of the concession tray can be easily tornaway from the concession tray by an end user. It is within the scope ofthis invention for the concession tray to have a perforated, tear-awaycoupon.

These embodiments are illustrative of the invention and are notexhaustive thereof. As paper technology evolves, it is within the scopeof this invention for all such future embodiments of the concession trayto be constructed of any such material to encompass these technologicaladvances. It is a preferred embodiment for the novel expandable tray tobe constructed of a recyclable material including, but not limited to,SUS and stone paper. It is within the scope of this invention for theconcession tray to be constructed of any material capable of beingprinted upon including, but not limited to, Solid Unbleached Sulfate(SUS) paper, stone paper, Aqua-Kote carrier board, paperboard,cardboard, paper made from a bio-polymer, or paper made from a petroleumbased polymer.

It is therefore an important object of the present invention to providea compact concession tray that is adapted to maximize storage spacehaving interlocking sidewalls that easily expands the folded concessiontray from a closed configuration to an upright open configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the novel unassembled tray;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the novel tray having an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the novel tray having an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the interconnecting sidewalls.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the sidewalls having a latch.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the novel expandable tray having aclosed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specificembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

In a general embodiment novel expandable tray 1 has primary layer 2located opposite secondary layer 7. Tertiary layer 6 has a primary endconnected to primary layer 2 forming a primary hinge 19. Tertiary layer6 has a secondary end located opposite a primary end, whereby, thesecondary end of tertiary layer 6 is connected to secondary layer 7forming secondary hinge 11. Support structure 15 has a primary hinge 25Aconnected to primary layer 2. Support structure 15 is connected tosecondary hinge 25B. Secondary hinge 25B of support structure 15 isconnected to mounting surface 20. Mounting surface 20 is connected tosecondary layer 7. Primary layer 2 has at least one opening 14, whereby,a portion of support structure 15 connects to a portion of border 21 ofat least one opening 14.

Primary layer 2 and secondary layer 7 have a substantially parallelconfiguration, whereby, primary layer 2 is configured to be moved in adirection of primary hinge 19 of tertiary layer 6 and secondary hinge 11of tertiary layer 6, whereby, orienting tertiary layer 6 and supportstructure 15 at approximately 90 degrees in relation to secondary layer7, whereby, tray 1 has an expanded configuration between primary layer 2and secondary layer 7.

Primary layer 2 has primary sidewall 3 located opposite secondarysidewall 5.

Secondary layer 7 has primary sidewall 8 located opposite secondarysidewall 10. A portion of primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 formsprimary end 18C of primary latch 22. A portion of primary sidewall 8 ofsecondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18D of primary latch 22, whereby,primary end 18C of primary latch 22 and secondary end 18D of primarylatch 22 interconnect.

Expandable tray 1 can have at least one layer having a surface thereonthat allows for text (not shown) or an image (not shown).

Expandable tray 1 includes primary layer 2 having secondary openings 12Aand 12B. Secondary openings 12A and 12B can have plurality of reliefs 13radiating from its circumference. Reliefs 13 are configured to conformto a cup (not shown), whereby, reliefs 13 secure the cup.

Expandable tray 1 includes mounting surface 20 having removable portion17 having perforated portion 24 connected to mounting surface 20.Removable portion 17 has at least one surface configured to display animage (not shown).

A portion of secondary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 forms primary end18A of secondary latch 23. A portion of secondary sidewall 10 ofsecondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23,whereby, primary end 18A of secondary latch 23 and secondary end 18B ofsecondary latch 23 interconnect.

Construction of the Novel Concession Tray

It will now be seen, referring to FIG. 1, novel concession tray 1 hasprimary layer 2 with primary sidewall 3, secondary sidewall 4, tertiarysidewall 5, and quaternary sidewall 6. Secondary layer 7 has primarysidewall 8, secondary sidewall 9, and tertiary sidewall 10. Secondarylayer 7 is connected to quaternary sidewall 6 of primary layer 2 formingsecondary hinge 11. Quaternary sidewall 6 has an end connected toprimary layer 2 forming primary hinge 19 and an opposite end connectedto secondary layer 7 forming secondary hinge 11 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and6). Secondary sidewall 4 (FIG. 3) of primary layer 2 connects tosecondary sidewall 9 of secondary layer 7.

FIG. 1 depicts primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 having recess 16C,forming lip 18C. Tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 has recesses16A, forming lip 18A. Primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 has recess16D, forming lip 18D. Tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 hasrecess 16B, forming lip 18B. A portion of primary sidewall 3 of primarylayer 2 forms primary end 18C of primary latch 22. A portion of primarysidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18D of primary latch22, whereby, primary end 18C of primary latch 22 and secondary end 18Dof primary latch 22 interconnect (not shown).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 havingrecesses 16A, forming lip 18A. Tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7has recess 16B, forming lip 18B. FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 illustrate a portionof secondary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 forming primary end 18A ofsecondary latch 23. A portion of secondary sidewall 10 of secondarylayer 7 forms secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23, whereby, primaryend 18A of secondary latch 23 and secondary end 18B of secondary latch23 interconnect.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 depict concession tray 1 having primary layer 2located opposite secondary layer 7. FIGS. 1-6 show primary layer 2having openings 12A and 12B having a plurality of reliefs 13 radiatingfrom its circumference. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 best show primary layer 2having opening 14 which contains a portion of primary layer 2 that isconfigured to form support structure 15. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 illustratesupport structure 15 being connected to border 21 of opening 14, formingprimary hinge 25A connected to primary layer 2. Support structure 15 isconnected to secondary hinge 25B. Secondary hinge 25B of supportingstructure 15 is connected to mounting surface 20. Mounting surface 20 isconnected to secondary layer 7. Mounting surface 20 has perforated end24. Perforated end 24 is connected to removable portion 17.

Primary layer 2 has secondary sidewall 4 (FIG. 3) located oppositequaternary sidewall 6 (FIG. 2). FIGS. 4 and 5 best illustrate tertiarysidewall 5 of primary layer 2 having lip 18A that is adapted to securelyinterconnect with lip 18B of tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7.Lips 18A and 18B are positioned to interconnect with each other tosecure concession tray 1 in an open configuration, whereby a portion oftertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 overlaps opposing recess 16B ofsecondary layer 7. A portion of tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer7 overlaps opposing recess 16A of primary layer 2. Lips 18C and 18D (notshown) are positioned to interlock each other to secure concession tray1 in an open configuration, whereby a portion of primary sidewall 3 ofprimary layer 2 overlaps opposing recess 16D of secondary layer 7. Aportion of primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 overlaps opposingrecess 16C of primary layer 2. Lips 18A and 18B interlock on a side oftray 1 and lips 18C and 18D interlock on the other side of tray 1 toexpand tray 1 in an upright, open configuration.

FIG. 6 shows concession tray 1 having a closed configuration when thelatches (not shown) are not interconnected.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those madeapparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Sincecertain changes may be made in the above construction without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matterscontained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

The invention claimed is:
 1. An expandable tray, comprising: a firstlayer located opposite a second layer; a third layer, said third layerhaving a first end connected to said first layer forming a first hinge,said third layer having a second end located opposite said first end,whereby, said second end of said third layer connected to said secondlayer forming a second hinge; a support structure, said supportstructure having a first hinge connected to said first layer, saidsupport structure connected to a second hinge, said second hinge of saidsupport structure connected to a mounting surface, said mounting surfaceconnected to said second layer; said first layer having at least oneopening, whereby, a portion of said support structure connecting to aportion of a border of said at least one opening; said first layer andsaid second layer having a substantially parallel configuration,whereby, said first layer is configured to be moved in a direction ofsaid first hinge of said third layer and said second hinge of said thirdlayer, whereby, orienting said third layer and said support structure atapproximately 90 degrees in relation to said second layer, whereby, saidtray having an expanded configuration between said first layer and saidsecond layer; said first layer having a first sidewall located oppositea second sidewall; said second layer having a first sidewall locatedopposite a second sidewall; a portion of said first sidewall of saidfirst layer forming a first end of a first latch; and, a portion of saidfirst sidewall of said second layer forming a second end of said firstlatch, whereby, said first end of said first latch and said second endof said first latch interconnect.
 2. The expandable tray of claim 1,wherein at least one layer having a surface thereon that allows for animage.
 3. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein at least one layerhaving a surface thereon that allows for text.
 4. The expandable tray ofclaim 1, wherein said first layer having a second opening.
 5. Theexpandable tray of claim 4, wherein said second opening having aplurality of reliefs radiating from its circumference, said reliefsconfigured to conform to a cup, whereby, said reliefs securing said cup.6. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein said mounting surface havinga removable portion, whereby, said removable portion having a perforatedend connected to said mounting surface, whereby, said mounting surfacehaving at least one surface configured to display an image.
 7. Theexpandable tray of claim 1, further comprising a portion of said secondsidewall of said first layer forming a first end of a second latch, aportion of said second sidewall of said second layer forming a secondend of said second latch, whereby, said first end of said second latchand said second end of said second latch interconnect.